ORANGES AND POTATOES

Southland Times, Issue 23140, 5 March 1937, Page 8

ORANGES AND POTATOES

A Trade Problem NEGOTIATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA “The deputation opened up a very wide question when it referred to the embargo on Australian fruit, said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) when replying to a deputation of Invercargill fruiterers that waited on him last evening. “The question of the importation of citrus fruit from Australia is wrapped up with the whole question of the trade relationship between the two countries,” said the Minister. “Oranges and potatoes have certainly played a big part in the negotiations wliich have taken place between the two countries in the past and those issues are still very live ones. More Balanced Trade Needed

He had had private discussions with prominent Australians, including representatives of that Government, who had visited New Zealand, and m each case the Australians had readily admitted that New Zealand had a great deal to support its claim for a more balanced trade between the two countries. “The present trade balance is very much in Australia’s favour, and the wiping out of the embargo on Australian oranges will not improve that position,” said Mr Sullivan. The whole question of the trade agreement would, he hoped, be the subject of negotiation between the two countries at an early, date, but in the meantime the present Government ot New Zealand realized that the people were entitled to obtain a greater supply of oranges than they had done in past years. It was for this reason that very greatly increased quantities of ofanges had been permitted to enter New Zealand from Australia this year; indeed the importations from Australia were far greater last year than they had been for any year during the last seven years. South Island Neglected Another point which the Minister was giving special consideration to was the supply of citrus fruit to the South Island,' which he recognized had been somewhat, neglected in the past. Increased quantities had been sent to Dunedin and Invercargill during the past season and their requirements would receive further consideration next season. Mr Sullivan assured the deputation that the Government was supremely anxious to ensure plentiful supplies of oranges for the people, and he hoped that when the trade discussions took place with Australia that aspect would be settled with entire satisfaction to both countries. Referring to the supply of bananas, Mr Sullivan stated that this matter was' in the hands of the External Affairs Department, and he would be glad to refer their representations to the Prime Minister.